Gob forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a linkage for transmitting axial reciprocating movement from one shaft to a parallel shaft and comprising a bar pivotally mounted at a fixed but adjustable position relative to the shafts, the bar being pivotally mounted at a fixed position on the bar, a pivotal connection fixed on one axial shaft and slidably mounted on the bar to one side of its fixed mounting, and a pivotal connection fixed on the other axial shaft and slidably mounted on the bar to the other side of its fixed mounting. The linkage may especially be used in the drive of the plunger of gob forming apparatus for use in the production of glassware whereby by adjustment of the linkage the plunger stroke and height may be varied.

I claim as my invention: 
     
       1. Gob forming apparatus for use in the production of glassware which apparatus comprises a refractory spout for molten glass and having an orifice in its floor, and, cooperating with the orifice, an axially reciprocating plunger, the plunger being mounted on an axially reciprocating shaft and a linkage for transmitting axial reciprocating movement to said shaft from a parallel shaft which is reciprocated by a drive means, the linkage comprising a bar; means pivotally mounting said bar, at a fixed position on the bar intermediate the ends of said bar, to a mounting member; means for adjusting the position of said mounting member in a direction parallel to said shafts and in a direction perpendicular to said shafts; a pivotal connection fixed on one axial shaft and slidably mounted on the bar to one side of said fixed position; and a pivotal connection fixed on the other axial shaft and slidably mounted on the bar to the other side of said fixed position. 
     
     
       2. Gob forming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said adjustable mounting member is mounted on a first rod parallel to the axial shafts such that the position of the adjustable member along the first rod is adjustable and the first rod is mounted on a second fixed rod perpendicular thereto such that the position of the first rod along the second rod is adjustable. 
     
     
       3. Gob forming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bar of the said linkage comprises at least two parallel rods, wherein said pivotal connections between said bar and said axial shafts include two members slidably mounted on said parallel rods, each of said members being pivotally fixed to one of said axial shafts, and wherein said means pivotally mounting said bar to an adjustable mounting member includes a member fixed to said two parallel rods and a pivotal connection between said fixed member and said adjustable mounting member. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus for reciprocating an element comprising: first and second parallel axially movable shafts; means connecting said element to said first shaft for movement therewith; drive means for imparting axially reciprocating movement to said second shaft; a bar which transmits axial movement of said second shaft to said first shaft; means mounting said bar at a location near one end thereof to said first shaft for pivotal movement relative to a fixed location on said first shaft and for sliding movement relative to said first shaft in a direction axial of said bar; means mounting said bar at a location near the other end thereof to said second shaft for pivotal movement relative to a fixed location on said second shaft and for sliding movement to said second shaft in a direction axial of said bar; a mounting member and means for adjusting the same in a first direction parallel to said shafts and in a second direction perpendicular to said shafts; and means pivotally mounting said bar to said mounting member at a fixed location on said bar between said fixed locations, whereby adjustment of said mounting member in said first direction adjusts the position of said bar, said shafts, said connecting means and said element in a direction parallel to said shafts and whereby adjustment of said mounting member in said second direction adjusts the stroke of said first shaft. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said means for adjusting said mounting member in said first and second directions includes a first rod parallel to said shafts and a second fixed rod perpendicular to said shafts, said mounting member being mounted on said first rod for adjustment therealong, and said first rod being mounted on said fixed second rod for adjustment therealong. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said bar comprises two parallel rods, wherein said means mounting said bar to said parallel shafts includes two members slidably mounted on said parallel rods, one of said members being pivoted to said first shaft at the respective fixed location and the other member being pivoted to said second shaft at the respective fixed location, said mounting member being pivotally connected to a member which is fixed on said two parallel rods.